Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a firm reminder today that all foreign nationals residing in the United States for more than 30 days are required to register under the Alien Registration Act by April 11, 2025. This federal law, which has long been on the books but seldom enforced, mandates that all noncitizens present in the country for over a month must officially register with the government. Noncompliance with this law is considered a criminal offense and may result in fines, imprisonment, or both.
“President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream,” said Secretary Noem in a public statement. She emphasized that the Trump administration intends to enforce every aspect of the nation’s immigration laws, saying, “The Trump administration will enforce all our immigration laws—we will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce. We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland and all Americans.”
This announcement follows the signing of Executive Order 14159 by President Donald J. Trump on January 20, 2025. Titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion, the order tasks the Department of Homeland Security with restoring accountability and order within the immigration system. Among its directives is the revival and rigorous enforcement of the Alien Registration Act, a statute that has remainedlargely dormant in recent decades.
The newly established registration requirements apply to all foreign nationals, regardless of their immigration status. Those who have been present in the U.S. for 30 days or longer as of April 11, 2025, and do not have documentation proving registration, are required to register immediately with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Furthermore, individuals entering the United States on or after April 11, 2025, must register within 30 days of their arrival if they lack evidence of prior registration. The mandate also extends to minors reaching the age of 14 while residing in the U.S. These individuals must re-register and submit their fingerprints within 30 days of their 14th birthday, even if they were registered previously while underage.
Parents and legal guardians are also held responsible for ensuring that any minor under the age of 14 in their care is registered, provided the child remains in the country for at least 30 consecutive days. Once a noncitizen has completed the registration process and submitted their fingerprints, the Department of Homeland Security will issue official proof of registration.
All foreign nationals aged 18 and above are required to carry this documentation with them at all times. This stipulation is part of a broader push by the current administration to reinforce immigration laws and eliminate gaps in enforcement. Secretary Noem made it clear that DHS will not tolerate any sanctuary for those who fail to meet the requirements of this policy. “There will be no sanctuary for noncompliance,” she stated.
The Trump administration has described the policy as a national security measure, arguing that tracking the presence of all foreign nationals within U.S. borders is essential for ensuring the safety of the American people. The message from the White House and DHS is unambiguous: the rules will be applied uniformly and without exception.
The renewed emphasis on the Alien Registration Act is part of a wider immigration agenda that President Trump has pursued since returning to office. His administration has consistently promoted stricter enforcement of immigration laws, increased deportations, and greater scrutiny of noncitizens residing in the United States. The executive order signed in January further underscores this direction, placing a spotlight on the perceived risks posed by individuals who remain in the country without proper documentation or registration.
For many foreign nationals, particularly those without legal status, the registration requirement is likely to raise concerns about possible detention or removal. However, the administration has framed the policy as an opportunity for those who comply to remain on a lawful path. Secretary Noem’s comments suggested that early compliance could influence future immigration outcomes for some individuals. “If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream,” she said, reiterating that voluntary departure might be more favorable than facing enforcement action.
The DHS has not released specific data on how many foreign nationals are currently out of compliance with the Alien Registration Act, but officials have indicated that the department is prepared to take enforcement action after the April 11 deadline. With the issuance of proof of registration and the requirement to carry it at all times, authorities expect to have the means to quickly identify those who fail to meet the standard.
The reimplementation of this policy also places added responsibility on immigration attorneys, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy groups that work with immigrant communities. Many will likely need to step up their efforts to inform clients and vulnerable populations about the new requirements, ensuring they understand their obligations and the consequences of inaction.
The administration’s strict timeline means that foreign nationals who fall under the law’s purview must act quickly. The April 11 cutoff is firm, and officials have indicated there will be no extensions. After that date, those who are not registered and cannot provide documentation may face immediate consequences under federal law.
As DHS continues to roll out the enforcement mechanisms associated with this policy, additional guidance is expected from USCIS and other relevant agencies. In the meantime, affected individuals are advised to consult official government websites or qualified legal professionals to ensure they complete the registration process correctly and on time.
Secretary Noem closed her statement by emphasizing the importance of national unity and the rule of law. “We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland and all Americans,” she said. The Trump administration’s messaging has centered around the principle that the laws on the books should be upheld fully, and that no one—regardless of their country of origin or immigration status—is exempt from accountability.
With less than a month remaining before the registration deadline, DHS is urging all noncitizens who qualify to take action immediately. Compliance with the Alien Registration Act is now a top priority for federal immigration enforcement, and failure to act could have serious legal consequences for those affected.